Voltaren Gel Side Effects
Even OTC pain-relieving gels and other medications have powerful active ingredients and can cause side effects. Other ingredients such as perfumes and alcohol may also cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction.
Use Voltaren gel for arthritis exactly as directed. Ask your doctor before you use Voltaren gel for off-label use .
Voltaren gel side effects may include:
- skin irritation or itching where the gel was applied
- skin dryness, scaling, or redness
- skin pimples or cysts
The Bottom Line On Topical Nsaids:
For every message about the side effects of Voltaren Gel we probably have 10 that sing the drugs praises. It appears to us that topical NSAIDs are not absorbed into the blood stream to the same extent as oral formulations. That said, some people are just very sensitive to NSAIDs in general.
People who cannot tolerate NSAIDs like diclofenac, ibuprofen or naproxen may benefit from non-drug approaches to manage joint pain. In our eGuide to Alternatives for Arthritis, you will find more information about Voltaren Gel and non-drug alternatives, including herbs such as ashwagandha, Boswellia, ginger, stinging nettle and turmeric. This online resource is available in the Health eGuides section of this website. You will also find home remedies and foods that have anti-inflammatory activity.
Side Effects Requiring Immediate Medical Attention
Along with its needed effects, diclofenac may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking diclofenac:
More common
- hair loss, thinning of the hair
- increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight
- pain in the arms or legs
- redness, pain, swelling of the eye, eyelid, or inner lining of eyelid
- redness or other discoloration of the skin
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How Long To Take It
Do not take Voltaren Rapid 25 for more than a few days at a time or for longer than your pharmacist or doctor has told you to. It is usually taken for a short time only. For menstrual cramps , the tablets are usually taken during each period as soon as cramps begin and continued for a few days until the pain goes away.
What Is Voltaren Gel Used For
Voltaren gel is commonly used to treat OA, the most common type of arthritis. It occurs over time because of age-related “wear and tear” on joints.
People with OA usually have joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. Voltaren gel can help with these symptoms.
The FDA has also approved a 3% strength Voltaren gel that can be bought over-the-counter and used by people with actinic keratosisa condition that causes rough, scaly skin patches that can turn into cancer.
While Voltaren can help with some joint pain related to arthritis, the gel has not been shown to help with pain from:
- Sports injuries
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What Is The Most Important Information I Should Know About Diclofenac
Diclofenac can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke, even if you don’t have any risk factors. Do not use this medicine just before or after heart bypass surgery .
Diclofenac may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are using diclofenac, especially in older adults.
Do not use to treat a cluster headache. Do not use if you are allergic to beef or beef protein. CambiaZipsor
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
You should not use diclofenac if you are allergic to it, or if you have ever had an asthma attack or severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin or an NSAID.
Diclofenac can affect ovulation and it may be harder to get pregnant while you are using this medicine.
If you are pregnant, you should not take diclofenac unless your doctor tells you to. Taking an NSAID during the last 20 weeks of pregnancy can cause serious heart or kidney problems in the unborn baby and possible complications with your pregnancy.
It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.
Diclofenac is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
- heart disease, high blood pressure
- ulcers or bleeding in your stomach
How Should This Medicine Be Used
Diclofenac comes as a tablet, and liquid-filled capsule, a hard gelatin capsule, an extended-release tablet, a delayed-release tablet, and as packets of powder for solution and taken by mouth. Diclofenac liquid-filled capsules are usually taken 4 times a day and diclofenac hard gelatin capsules are usually taken 3 times a day on an empty stomach. Diclofenac extended-release tablets are usually taken once a day, and in rare cases are taken twice a day, if needed to control pain. Diclofenac tablets and diclofenac delayed-release tablets are usually taken 2, 3, or 4 times a day. Diclofenac solution is taken without food as a one dose treatment to relieve the pain of migraine headaches. If you were told to take diclofenac on a regular basis, take it at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take diclofenac exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Different diclofenac products release the medication differently in your body and cannot be used interchangeably. Only take the diclofenac product prescribed by your doctor and do not switch to a different diclofenac product unless your doctor says that you should.
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What Side Effects Are Possible With This Medication
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.
The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.
Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.
Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:
- large hive-like swellings on face, eyelids, mouth, lips, or tongue
- severe and continuing nausea, heartburn, vomiting
- signs of a serious allergic reaction
- signs of bleeding in the stomach
- signs of a heart attack
- signs of a severe skin reaction such as blistering, peeling, a rash covering a large area of the body, a rash that spreads quickly, or a rash combined with fever or discomfort
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.
How Should I Take Voltaren
Take Voltaren exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the lowest dose that is effective in treating your condition.
Different brands of diclofenac contain different amounts of diclofenac, and may have different uses. If you switch brands, your dose needs may change. Follow your doctor’s instructions about how much medicine to take. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions about the brand of diclofenac you receive at the pharmacy.
Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.
If you use Voltaren long-term, you may need frequent medical tests.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
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How Should I Use This Medication
Diclofenac belongs to the class of medications known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories . It is used to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation.
The diclofenac sodium tablet and suppository are used to relieve pain for people with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and degenerative joint diseases of the hip. The diclofenac potassium tablets are used for short-term relief of pain and inflammation, such as pain caused by sprains, surgery, dental work, or menstrual cramps.
This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are being given this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to use this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
Before Taking Voltaren Gel
Talk with your healthcare provider before using Voltaren gel to be sure it’s right for you. You might be able to switch to the gel if the oral form of diclofenac or other NSAIDs upset your stomach or you are at risk of side effects.
Most studies have shown that Voltaren Gel can ease the pain just as well as the oral form, but the risk of serious side effects is much lower with the gel.
The gel comes with less risk because it is put on and absorbed through your skin, while the oral form goes through your entire body .
The FDA approved Voltaren gel for OTC use based on the results of studies on its effectiveness and safety. Since then, studies have supported the use of the NSAID gel as a first-line treatment for knee OA and hand OA.
This is especially true for older adults or people at risk of harm from the effects of oral NSAIDs, like damage to the liver, kidneys, and heart.
Before you use Voltaren in any form, you should tell your provider about any other medications or supplements you take. Sometimes, taking Voltaren with another supplement can cause problems.
Tell your provider if you take or use any:
Some of the interactions between Voltaren and other medications or supplements are not a big deal, but others can be serious. You and your provider can talk about the risks and benefits and decide if it would be a good idea for you to use Voltaren.
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How To Use And Store Voltaren
Here’s how to use Voltaren:
When you are using Voltaren, do not:
- Wash the gel off if you apply it t the joints of your hands
Voltaren can also cause you to have higher levels of a type of white blood cell called eosinophils. If this happens, you might have symptoms like:
If you have any of these side effects from Voltaren, stop using it and tell your provider.
How To Use Voltaren Gel
Read the Medication Guide and Patient Instructions for Use provided by your pharmacist before you start using diclofenac and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
This medication is for use on the skin only. To measure the right dose, use the dosing card provided with the medication. Place a dosing card on a flat surface so that you can read the print on the card. Squeeze an even line of the medication from the tube onto the dosing card, using the marks on the card to measure the prescribed dose. Gently rub the medication into the entire affected joint, usually 4 times daily or as directed by your doctor. You may use the dosing card to apply the medication. Do not apply the medication on skin that has cuts, infections, or rashes.
If the package instructions direct you to reuse the dosing card, then after each use, hold the card with your fingertips, rinse, and dry. When you are ready to discard the dosing card, fold the card in half with the medication side inside and throw away out of the reach of children and pets. Wash your hands after using the medication unless you are using it to treat the hands. Do not shower, bathe, or wash any treated areas for at least an hour after applying the medication. Wait at least 10 minutes before covering the treated area with gloves or clothing. Do not wrap, bandage, or apply heat to the treated area.
Tell your doctor if your pain lasts or gets worse.
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Other Options For Pain:
A. Ask your doctor whether topical NSAIDs like diclofenac gel would help your pain without causing hypertension. There is research to suggest that when diclofenac is used as a spray, gel or patch, it is less likely to cause stomach upset or ulcers compared to the oral formulation . That doesnt mean it is safe, just a bit safer than pills.
You can learn more about the advantages of Voltaren Gel at this link.
Since you discovered that you are susceptible to ibuprofen and high blood pressure, you will need to be very especially careful. You will need to monitor your blood pressure even with a topical NSAID. We have heard from some readers who report good success, though.
E.B.M. gets her Voltaren Gel without a prescription when traveling:
I have been buying Voltaren Gel in Germany and Mexico while traveling. It costs usually $10-15 overseas for a large tube. It has worked great for me and my friend who has rheumatoid arthritis and sometimes muscle spasms.
I dont use a lot since it is very easily spread . My blood pressure is normal. I would not be without it and was lucky to talk the nurse out of a sample one day.
Not everyone can tolerate topical NSAIDs, though.
My doctor prescribed Voltaren Gel since pain meds upset my stomach. It didnt upset my stomach, but on the fourth day of applying it, I broke out in a rash all over my arms and legs. I had to stop using it.
What Other Drugs Will Affect Voltaren
Ask your doctor before using Voltaren if you take an antidepressant. Taking certain antidepressants with an NSAID may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.
Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:
-
heart or blood pressure medication, including a diuretic or “water pill”
-
other forms of diclofenac (Arthrotec, Flector, Pennsaid, Solaraze, diclofenac topical gel
-
other NSAIDs – aspirin, ibuprofen , naproxen , celecoxib , indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with diclofenac, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.
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Where Can You Buy Voltaren Gel
You can find Voltaren gel for arthritis pain in the pharmacy section of your local grocery store, usually in the aisle that sells pain relief medication and products.
The Food and Drug Administration approved Voltaren gel as an OTC pain reliever in 2020. It has been available in prescription strength since 2007. You still need a prescription to purchase Voltaren tablets and other forms of this product.
You can buy Voltaren gel online from many of the retailers you might shop at in-person as well as directly from the Voltaren website.
What Is Diclofenac
Diclofenac is a prescription drug. It comes as a topical gel, oral capsule, oral tablet, eye drops, transdermal patch, topical solution, and powder packets for oral solution.
Diclofenac topical gel is available as the brand-name drugs Solaraze and Voltaren. Its also available as a generic drug. Generic drugs usually cost less than brand-name versions. In some cases, they may not be available in every strength or form as a brand-name drug.
Voltaren is now available OTC as Voltaren Arthritis Pain in the U.S.
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How To Take It
Swallow the tablets with a full glass of liquid. They will work more quickly if you take them at least half an hour before meals or two hours after meals. But, if they upset your stomach, you can take them with food.
Do not lie down for about 15 to 30 minutes after taking the tablets. This helps them reach your stomach quickly and prevents throat irritation, which could lead to problems with swallowing.
Does Allegra Raise Blood Pressure
Weight Monitoring. Remember, healthy lifestyle behaviors-like eating a whole-foods plant-based diet that is low in sodium, being physically active, and stress management are the best ways to prevent and control high bloodpressure. Please talk with your doctor about any complementary health approaches, including supplements, you use. I don’t think that allegra caused your high bloodpressure but it is quite possible that your bloodpressure was already high ant that allegro made it worse. Didn’t you have your bloodpressure checked before your doc prescribed this antihistamine for you. It is very well known that allegro shouldn’t be used in people with high blood.
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